Men's teams set for Tour of the Gila

Powered by SRAM

SILVER CITY, N.M. - A compelling mix of experienced veterans, young riders trying to prove themselves, professionals and elite racers will battle it for the overall victory at the 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM in New Mexico on May 1-5, 2013. The top American-based Pro Continental squad, UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, returns to the 27th edition of the event to defend its overall victory.

"The Tour of the Gila has always had a special place in our heart. We love the hard work the community puts into the event. 2013 is an important one for us after winning the overall in 2012. We have a strong team for it with Lucas Euser, Marc de Maar and Phil Deignan. All of our riders will be firing on all cylinders in that time frame with the Amgen Tour of California coming right after Gila." said UnitedHealthcare General Manager and Team Director Mike Tamayo.

The hard racing at altitude during the five days of New Mexico's premier road cycling race is a perfect final tune-up before the Tour of California for many of the American-based Pro Continental and Continental teams. For others, the event is a chance to grab the spotlight and make a name for themselves.

The goal for the Bontrager Cycling Team is to do both - again. The Under-23 squad won the Best Young Rider overall classification, Best Team classification and finished in the top 3 overall the past two years.

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Team Director Axel Merckx said, "We are really looking forward going to the Tour of the Gila that always has provided with a great organization and also great results for us in the past."

They'll both have to contend with 2011 overall winner Francisco "Paco" Mancebo, 5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team, who said, "I really enjoy the Tour de Gila and its mountains. The terrain is much like where I live in Spain, the climbs suit me well. My preparation this year with the 5-hour Energy presented by Kenda team will be better than last year since the Tour de Gila along with Tour of California will be my principle objectives for the year. I hope to do as well as I did in 2011."

"It's always exciting to see all the different battles unfold over the five days of hard racing." said Tour of the Gila co-race director Michelle Geels.

"This event is a great experience for fans and racers alike with its breathtaking scenery, tough racing and support from the local residents."

The 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM consists of five stages - three road stages, one time trial and one criterium - with approximately 15,000 feet of climbing overall. The race culminates with the Gila Monster road stage - the make or break Queen Stage - with its 9,131 feet of climbing over 105 miles of racing.

Additional teams as well as final roster will be announced in the coming weeks. Teams racing in the pro women's Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM will also be announced in the next weeks.

THE TEAMS

Pro Continental TeamsZ

Novo Nordisk (USA)

UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team (USA)

Continental Teams

5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team (USA)

BISSELL Pro Cycling (USA)

Bontrager Cycling Team (USA)

EKOÏ/Devinci Pro Cycling Team (CAN)

Jelly Belly P/B Kenda (USA)

Optum Pro Cycling presented by Kelly Benefit Strategies (USA)

Team Jamis - Hagens Berman (USA)

Elite Teams

BMC Development Team (USA)

Canyon Bicycles (USA)

CashCall Mortgage (USA)

Hagens Berman Cycling (USA)

Landis - Trek (USA)

Stage 17-Cylance (USA)

Team Rio Grande Cycling (USA)

Trek Red Truck Racing pb Mosaic Homes (CAN)

VRC/Get Crackin' (USA)

For complete race schedule and more information about 2013 Silver City's Tour of the Gila powered by SRAM, please visit www.tourofthegila.com.